Newbie

[Tongmeter]

I am a hobbist and new to stick welding. I know this sounds like a dumb question, but what is the easiest way to open and get into a can of welding rods? Specifically 1/8 th 6010 and 3/32 7018. Some one told me to throw the can on the ground hitting the corner to open it. I am afraid that will damage the rods.
Any help is appreciated

Tong

[MAC702]

How big a can of what brand? Lots of different designs. Most open like a can of vienna sausages...

[Tongmeter]

The rods are Lincoln Fleetweld 5P 6010's & Lincoln 7018's they were given to me and must be old cans because they are'nt the "EASY OPEN' type.

Tong

[MAC702]

Do they maybe have a coil that you unwrap with a key near the top, like an old can of SPAM?

[Tongmeter]

Mac702

There is no visibile opener at either end. They appear to be sealed cans.
I'm not sure how to open them up without damaging the rods inside!


Tongmeter

[Richard]

Maybe you can use a 1/2" wide flate chisel 'make shure its sharp' and start at the edge and open the top . you dont have to have a big hole .
you can make a small opening at one of the corners of the can and then tilt the can and poor a few rods out at a time.
kinda like how you use a flat chisel to cut off the top of a 55 gal. drum around the edge
hope this helps
and welcome to the forum

Sincerely,
Richard

[Tongmeter]

Thanks Richard, I tried it and it worked!
I'm so glad I found this forum, I willl check back often.
Tong

[hellowyo]

Hello

I had some at school that were very old and sealed up tight. No easy open lid... so I took my grinder and went around the seam until I cut it in two... worked very well and didnt damage the electrodes...

I would not throw them down on a corner!

[DDA52]

We used a hammer and screwdriver in the corner of the lid to open up a triangle.....a torch........and whatever else would cut metal. Always hated getting cut up by them, but that was just part of the job. Those were the days.

[wello]

so Iam i reading this right that welding rods over come in cans ?
over there in either a cardbroad box or a plastic box
just wondering